Manav Gangwani showcased his Le’amoureuse (the beloved) collection on the last day of the Amazon India Couture Week at the Taj Palace Hotel in New Delhi.
Surprisingly, unlike the last four days, there was no red or black used by the designer, who’d told tabloid! before the event started that it would be a “different collection” with old friend Kanagna Ranaut.
“It’s a very romantic, very evening wear but with a twist of a little day wear as well because as we all know in Europe in most of the countries the sun sets around 10pm. So for them these colours [work] even in the day. So I have taken the brand to a different twist, as you must have noticed there wasn’t a single lehnga, no regular sari, everything was gown-structured and that was what the idea was. Butterflies represent romance and that’s what you saw in my dear friend Iranna’s artwork as well and as you all noticed he started his butterfly at the time Kangana entered”.
Models walked the twisting ramp in grey, peach, sea green and purple as artist Iranna GR did an impromptu charcoal painting on the wall, adding a golden butterfly and leaves as showstopper Ranaut stepped on the ramp.
“This is a very unusual purple, it is deep wine. In fact the colours Manav has used are very unusual and for me it’s been a beautiful experience because I love gowns, I love clothes and I love new ideas,” said Bollywood’s actress-of-the-moment Ranaut of her friend’s collection.
“His usual haute couture is bridal wear and has very strong Indian influences in it but I think he’s gone for something completely different, giving it an international twist along with what we like about his designs — the kind of finishing, the cuts and materials that are used, are completely unexpected.
“My costume was at least 30kg and I wasn’t walking — I think the costume was pushing me a little. I was a little nervous as this was the longest ramp that could ever be, a neverending one. Yet it was fun because I believe all beautiful things come with a price to pay. It is couture, and I think it’s a very integral part of the theme and platform it is being displayed at. If I am going for a red carpet or a wedding or a special event I would want to stand out and wear something like this.”
Unlike the other shows at the event, there was not a single look presented in a red or black. Gangwani used a lot of sheer tulle, French lace, georgette and organza with strategically placed sequins or embroidery. He also used applique and Swarovski elements with flowers made from the material of the gown. Butterflies ruled the day as accessories on arms and belts or embroidered onto fabric.
Menswear saw embroidered and sequined jackets paired with sequined shoes.
Others on the guestlist included Bollywood actors Neil Nitin Mukesh and Raveena Tandon, and sarod maestro Pandit Amjad Ali Khan with his wife and son.
Manish Malhotra is slated to close the show on Sunday night at the Imperial Hotel in New Delhi. Actress and former Miss World Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan is to walk the ramp for Bollywood’s favourite designer.
